Both lanes on a busy main road near Ashby have reopened to drivers - ending weeks of traffic misery for motorists.

One lane on the bridge which crosses over the A42 had been closed since a van crashed into the barrier and was left hanging precariously over the busy dual-carriageway on Friday, August 7.

Drivers were warned that traffic problems were set to continue for the next few weeks as emergency repairs were carried out in order to fix the barrier on the bridge on the Flagstaff roundabout.

Lane closures were put in place on the north side of the bridge and also on the A511 between Nottingham Road in Ashby, the Flagstaff roundabout and junction 13 of the A42 to ensure motorists' safety until the repairs were carried out, said a highways spokesman.

But highways bosses have since moved the temporary barrier on the bridge above the dual-carriageway - meaning both lanes are now open to traffic.

Highways England asset manager, Malcolm Dangerfield, said: "Safety is our top priority and due to the extent of the damage caused to the barrier we have had to order a specially-designed replacement, which should be in place next month.

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The incident just before 5am on Friday, September 7 and caused the barrier and debris from the vehicle to fall onto the southbound carriageway, producing tailbacks of up to five miles.

Leicestershire Police confirmed officers received a report that someone was seen running away from the vehicle following the incident which left the van hanging over the edge of the bridge of the A511 roundabout.